Celebrating International Education Week 2010, the Office of International Programs re-launches the Peer Advising Program. We offer about 120-150 hours of peer advising to our student body every semester. The Peer Advisors (PAs) pool is composed of students returning from their academic and internship experiences abroad. They are trained to provide advice to those students getting started with their study abroad plans or facing the challenges of pre-departure before leaving Binghamton. Students interested in peer advising can contact OIP at 607-777-2336 or email us at sapeerad@binghamton.edu
We believe in an integrated and holistic approach to advising. Very few can relate to the study abroad application process the way that our Peer Advisors do. They have been there and done that. They can provide guidance and first-hand knowledge on a variety of issues regarding the study abroad process. Drawing on hours of training and their own study abroad experience, they are ready to help you understand the basics about how to choose a study abroad program and the steps to follow were you to apply.
You will find our PAs at many campus events related to internationalization. They motivate and inspire their peers as guest speakers for academic fairs or residential halls get-togethers. They can also show freshmen year students how to plan in advance for study abroad. 
Our PAs are available to talk to you during walk-in Peer Advising Hours or by appointment. They are also available to respond to emails. Think about their advice as "insider information". It has become apparent to our Office that some of the questions our students have are best answered by their own peers who understand the priorities and habits of college undergraduates.
Another, perhaps less visible, way through which PAs provide advice is by reviewing our promotional materials and making recommendations to improve, edit or re-create them. As you can imagine, PAs become significant resources for the study abroad operation as they bring back a critical understanding of the whole process. Most importantly, they know inside-out the type of program they chose to internationalize their undergraduate life and professional profiles.
The Peer Advising Program also fosters the professional development of returning students who wish to volunteer their time for this project or are interested in enhancing their resumes by contributing to the mission of the Office of International Programs. If you are a returning study abroad student and think that you may be interested in becoming a PA, contact us at sapeerad@binghamton.edu.
